Bed bugs are the scourge of the Earth. Ok, we know there are most definitely worse things, but those who have suffered through a bed bug infestation will agree that bed bugs are horrible. With the season of holiday travel upon us, there is definitely the fear of bringing home bed bugs from the hotel or airplane. So what's an enterprising traveler to do? Use Christmas lights of course.

Troubled by bed bugs that were hitching a ride in his luggage, Instructables user Marcgr created his bed bug killing machine using Christmas lights.

To make the bed bug killing machine, you will need in addition to Christmas lights (350 and 400 Watts incandescent Christmas lights), a 30 gallon or larger metal trashcan,a thermometer with a remote probe, a thermometer with a long probe, a Christmas light timer (try to get the kind with a built-in GFCI circuit breaker), an extension cord, a replacement electrical plug, and a 3/8" clamp connector for 1/2" knockout. The tools required are a screwdriver, drill, wire cutters, and wire strippers.

We don't know how well this works, but the theory behind it is sound (bed bugs don't like extreme heat or cold). Our main concern in implementing this is being concerned about our luggage catching on fire. We think the precaution of using the bed bug killing machine outside is a good one for more than just not wanting to inadvertently infect your home.